A University of Guelph alumna and well-known advocate for Canadian food and farming has been named coordinator of Food Day Canada.

Crystal Mackay, B.Sc. (Agr.) ’93, will take on the role this month to lead planning of Canada’s largest culinary celebration.

“Food Day Canada is the very essence of what I’ve worked towards over my entire career – building positive, proactive conversations about food and farming,” said Mackay. “Bringing our country together and bridging gaps between consumers, farmers and many food system partners is truly a celebration I am proud to be part of.”

Food Day Canada brings together all Canadians with the University of Guelph and food system partners to celebrate Canadian food and the people who create and study it. Last year #FoodDayCanada reached almost 15 million Canadians online.

In 2003, former U of G food laureate Anita Stewart hosted the World’s Longest Barbecue to support Canadian beef farmers. The event became the annual Food Day Canada Celebration, shining a light on the work of Canadian food producers, researchers and chefs and demonstrating the global importance of Canadian food. This year’s event takes place July 31.

Stewart, the event’s founder, passed away in 2020.

“Anita’s passion for Canadian food and her vision for our cuisine’s place on the international stage truly helped shape Canada’s food future,” said Daniel Atlin, vice-president (external). “As Canada’s food university, we are thrilled that Crystal will continue Anita’s legacy.”

Mackay was president of the Student Federation of the Ontario Agricultural College at U of G in 1992 when she first met Stewart. A long-time supporter of Food Day Canada, Mackay worked closely with Stewart over the past three years to increase engagement with the event.

Source:  University of Guelph June 15, 2021 news release